The old cliché is that “time flies when you are having fun.” It also flies when you are working hard at something you love.

Although it shocks me to even type it, I have now been here at Leader Publications for almost a year and a half. It has been a wild and busy journey, but the immense rewards come from the positive results.

And, what is even more exciting to me, is that 2015 is shaping up to be a very exciting year.

Our team is working very hard to produce the best newspapers and publications possible and live up to our name within the communities we serve. I do not have the space to tell you all the great things we are working on but I would be remiss if I didn’t highlight a few.

First of all, the second issue of our new lifestyle magazine, Michiana Life, is now available and will soon be available across the region. Visit its web site for a full list of locations.

We have focused on improving all of our newspapers with more local content, better photos, better printing, streamlined production systems and revised special sections that provide value to our readers and our advertisers.

We continue to make positive strides toward putting the right team of people together to lead the newspaper. We have a dedicated staff that works hard and truly wants to move us forward.

Finally, we are working to be a better community leader. That starts with improving our building in downtown Niles to make it a shining example within the city and continues with supporting organizations and initiatives that are making a positive difference in peoples lives.

I could go on and on.

The bottom line is that Leader Publications is stronger than it has been in years because the dedication of the people who work here. I honestly believe that 2015 could be the springboard to even greater things.

As always, we welcome feedback and input from readers, advertisers and the community. You can do this through email, a phone call or by just stopping in.

One criticism I have heard is that I personally haven’t introduced myself to every single leader, business owner or citizen. This may be somewhat justified and inaccurate at the same time. My first year and a half has been very inwardly focused, as we needed to take a long, hard look at what we could do better at Leader.

We’ve now done that.

Still, I have tried to be very active in several civic organizations, attend as many community functions as possible and have an open door policy. I plan to do even more this year.

The progress has been encouraging, but the exciting future is absolutely invigorating.

 

Michael Caldwell is the publisher of Leader Publications LLC. He can be reached at (269) 687-7700 or by email at mike.caldwell@leaderpub.com.